HR24

WHEREAS, the State of Hawai‘i takes great pride in recognizing outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the betterment of our society, and who help to shape the lives of others through their ability to excel in their respective fields; and

WHEREAS, DUANE DESOTO and MALIA KA‘AIHUE epitomizes stewards to the Native Hawaiian community at the same time as raised a family rooted in Hawaiian values; and

WHEREAS, DUANE DESOTO was born in Makaha, Oahu, loving the ocean and at 4 years old he surfed in the Haleiwa Menehune Championships and the Rell Sunn Menehune Championships at Makaha Beach, which set the stage for his professional surfing career that took off when he was 16 and led to winning the Oxbow ASP World Longboard Championship; and

WHEREAS, DUANE DESOTO sailed aboard the Polynesian Voyaging Society's Hokule'a from Aotearoa to Australia across the Tasman Sea in 2012 and continues sailing and engaging with maritime communities across the continents today ; and

WHEREAS, hailing from Waiōhinu, Kaʻū and Kaʻimukī, Oʻahu, MALIA KA‘AIHUE attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies and language, as well as a master’s and doctorate degree in political science; and

WHEREAS, MALIA KA‘AIHUE is the president of DTL, a Native Hawaiian strategy studio she founded in 2014. Using her expertise in Hawaiian history, politics and language, Mālia develops and executes strategies that are culturally appropriate, community minded, and relevant to her clients; and

WHEREAS, together DUANE and MALIA's passion for education and giving back, they created Na Kama Kai (Children of the Sea) a non-profit organization that brings ocean-based safety and conservation programs directly to Hawaii's youth; and

WHEREAS, although DUANE and MALIA's days are filled with their various organizations and commitments, they still prioritize their lives around their seven children: Laura, Micah, Keanuenue, Puamakamae, Kala, Hokuwelo and Honua; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2020, that this body hereby honor and commends DUANE DESOTO and MALIA KA‘AIHUE and offers the warmest aloha and best wishes from the Hawai'i State Legislature Native Hawaiian Caucus.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

COMMENDING DUANE DESOTO AND MALIA KA‘AIHUE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	24
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII